Apple has announced a major update to its digital assistant, Siri, in an effort to catch up with other tech giants in the AI race. The new assistant, called Siri AI, will be available in beta later this year and will feature improved voice dictation, personalized responses, and the ability to understand an iPhone’s screen to answer questions.

Features and Capabilities

Siri AI will be able to operate apps, analyze an iPhone’s screen to answer questions, and incorporate personal context into responses. The update will also allow users to customize Siri’s voice to sound more expressive and will provide more accurate voice dictation.

Some features, such as higher limits on image generation and descriptions of footage from smart home cameras compatible with Apple’s HomeKit system, will require an iCloud+ subscription. Additionally, certain Siri AI functions, like more accurate voice dictation and the ability to customize its voice, can only be accessed using Apple’s top-tier iPhones.

Monetization and Revenue

Analysts are looking for signs that Apple’s AI ambitions will lead to more iPhone upgrades, iCloud+ subscriptions, or both. While Apple’s current offerings may not be enough to convince users to buy a new iPhone or subscribe to a pricier iCloud plan, they could help Apple lock in existing iPhone users.

Apple’s announcements provided a peek at how AI features could entice users toward pricier iPhones and subscriptions. However, it’s unclear whether the new features will be enough to drive significant revenue growth for the company.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.